Reconstructing my Life after 7/7
(A survivor’s journey of adaptation and change)
On July 7th 2005 terrorists attacked the London transport system; Daniel Biddle is the most seriously injured survivor of those attacks. At the time he was a fit and healthy 26 year old working as a projects manager in the construction industry.
On that fateful day, unbeknown to Daniel he was stood next to a suicide bomber as the tube left Edgware Road station. From the moment the bomb exploded to the immediate aftermath, he has seen, heard, smelt and tasted things that you could not possibly imagine.
As a result of the bombing, Daniel lost both legs and is now confined to a wheelchair; he lost an eye, spleen and had a whole catalogue of other life-threatening injuries. In an instant this horrific experience changed Daniel’s life irrevocably. After leaving the hospital, he very quickly became aware that the world as he knew it was not geared up for a disabled person. He found a passion for wanting to make a change beginning with becoming a qualified Access Consultant through the National Register of Access Consultants.
This talk will provide pupils with a number of key messages including:
- Equality and Diversity and the positive impact of embracing disability
- Overcoming adversity
- Adapting to life with a disability
- Communication in business
- Embracing change
- Maintaining positivity
- Determination to succeed
While the physical injuries were dealt with, the psychological impact of being involved in this traumatic event built up over time and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lead him to suicidal thoughts and failed attempts to end his life. Thankfully he was able to confide in his new girlfriend and she was able to get Daniel the help that he desperately needed and stood by his side throughout his treatment. Together they then established their first company and got married a year later.
In 2022 Daniel’s brainchild was born, his recruitment agency the National Diversity Employment and Advisory Service, specialising in supporting disabled people into work and working with employers to have truly inclusive and accessible recruitment practices.
Daniel constantly demonstrates that despite horrendous things happening to a person, it does not have to be the end. It does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your hopes, dreams and aspirations!